Order of Service 24 November 2019

“FATHER, FORGIVE”

THE LIFE OF THE KING

WELCOME TO KNOX

Knox Church is a congregation within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. We aim to create Christian community in which people of all

ages, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds and socio-economic situations are included as equally valued participants in our congregational life. We cherish our diversity, offering a safe place of belonging to any who wish to

explore their beliefs in an atmosphere promoting discussion, the development of healthy relationships and spiritual growth. We strive to be open to dialogue and shared experiences with people of other faiths. We enjoy worshipping the God made known in Jesus, endeavouring to do so in ways that are relevant to our daily lives, respect the integrity of creation, and make a positive difference

to our wider world.

A loop system for hearing aids operates at Knox.

Toilets are available through the door on the lectern side of the sanctuary.

Please don’t leave any items unattended around the church; they may cause alarm.

We take care to use inclusive language in our services. References to God in traditional prayers and hymns may sometimes be gender-specific. As we pray and sing together, you’re invited to adapt the words we’ve chosen. When we

pray the “Lord’s prayer”, feel free to pray in your first language.

The Call to Worship: We light a candle in the name of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. JESUS, WRESTING ORDER FROM THE CHAOS; JESUS, PRAYING FORGIVENESS FOR ALL GOD’S CREATION. JESUS, WHOSE KINGDOM IS JUSTICE AND PEACE;

Kia noho a Ihowa ki a koutou. God be with you. MA IHOWA KOE E MANAAKI. GOD BLESS YOU. Hymn: Gwalchmai Joseph Michael Jones (1827-1870)

1. King of glory, King of peace, I will love thee; and, that love may never cease, I will move thee. Thou hast granted my request, thou hast heard me; thou didst note my working breast, thou hast spared me.

2. Wherefore with my utmost art I will sing thee, and the cream of all my heart I will bring thee. Though my sins against me cried, thou didst clear me; and alone, when they replied, thou didst hear me.

3. Seven whole days, not one in seven, I will praise thee; in my heart, though not in heaven, I can raise thee. Small it is, in this poor sort to enrol thee: ev’n eternity’s too short to extol thee. George Herbert (1593-1633)

Prayer of Approach He had an authority to him; WE CALLED HIM A KING. He cared for the people; WE CALLED HIM A KING. He captured our imagination; WE CALLED HIM A KING. He worried the tyrants; WE CALLED HIM A KING. He turned not away from danger; WE CALLED HIM A KING. He exploded the claims of death; WE CALLED HIM A KING.

In silence, we celebrate him, AND CALL HIM OUR KING. Silence Litany of Confession In the kingdom of this world, we set up gallows and crucify the innocent. So we sing:

In the kingdom of this world, we mock those who are suffering. So we sing:

In the kingdom of this world, we allow ourselves to become people only of anger. So we sing:

In the kingdom of this world, we give up hoping for more. So we sing:

Silence Looking to Christ, and longing for his better way, we say Lord have mercy. CHRIST HAVE MERCY. Lord have mercy. Assurance and Response . . . In the name of Christ I say to you: You are forgiven and you are free. THANKS BE TO GOD. Prayer of Supplication:

In the midst of the tragedy of the crucifixion, while most people jeered and mocked, one person saw the beauty of God in Jesus, and came to faith. MAY WE, LIKE HIM, SEE GOD’S GRACE AND LOVE, AND HEREAFTER BELONG TO THE KINGDOM OF LIGHT. We pray this in the name of Jesus, using the words he gave us:

OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME, YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IN HEAVEN. GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD. FORGIVE US OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US. SAVE US FROM THE TIME OF TRIAL AND DELIVER US FROM EVIL. FOR THE KINGDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY ARE YOURS NOW AND FOR EVER. AMEN.

The Passing of the Peace Kia tau tonu te rangimarie o te Ariki ki a koutou. The peace of Christ be with you all.

A KI A KOE ANO HOKI; AND ALSO WITH YOU. We exchange a sign of peace with one another.

If there are younger ones present A Conversation with the Younger Ones Young People’s Blessing: Young ones, go to your worship with our blessing. TAKE OUR FAITH AND HOPE; MAKE NEW THINGS WITH WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN. MAY GOD BLESS AND GROW YOU. AMEN.

Young ones are welcome to move through to the Sala del Sol (upstairs in the Knox Centre) for well supervised, faith-based youth activities. The First Lesson: Colossians 1: 11-20

In this is the Word of God THANKS BE TO GOD. Knox Singers: Creation’s Hymn Ludwig von Beethoven (1770-1827) The Gospel Lesson: Luke 23: 33-43

This is the gospel of Christ. PRAISE TO CHRIST, THE WORD.

Hymn: Leoni Thomas Olivers (1725-1799)

1. Community of Christ, who make the Cross your own, live out your creed and risk your life for God alone: the God who wears your face, to whom all worlds belong, whose children are of every race and every song.

2. Community of Christ, look past the Church's door and see the refugee, the hungry, and the poor. Take hands with the oppressed, the jobless in your street, take towel and water, that you wash your neighbour's feet.

3. Community of Christ, through whom the word must sound - cry out for justice and for peace the whole world round: disarm the powers that war and all that can destroy, turn bombs to bread, and tears of

anguish into joy.

4. When menace melts away, so shall God's will be done, the climate of the world be peace and Christ its Sun; our currency be love and kindliness our law, our food and faith be shared as one for evermore.

Shirley Murray (b. 1931)

Sermon: The king’s other way

Generally, sermons are posted on our website shortly after the service at: http://www.knoxchurch.co.nz/sermons.html

Hard copies of the sermons are available before and after the service – ask the person at the door.

Hymn: Heaven shall not wait John Bell (b. 1949)

1. Heaven shall not wait for the poor to lose their patience, the scorned to smile, the despised to find a friend: Jesus is Lord; he has championed the unwanted; in him justice confronts its timely end. 2. Heaven shall not wait for the rich to share their fortunes, the proud to fall, the élite to tend the least: Jesus is Lord; he has shown the master’s privilege - to kneel and wash servants’ feet before they feast. 3. Heaven shall not wait for the dawn of great ideas, thoughts of compassion divorced from cries of pain: Jesus is Lord; he has married word and action; his cross and company make his purpose plain. 4. Heaven shall not wait for triumphant Hallelujahs, when earth has passed and we reach another shore: Jesus is Lord in our present imperfection; his power and love are for now; and then for evermore. John Bell (b. 1949) and Graham Maule (b. 1958)

Prayers for Others and Ourselves led by Len Pierce

The Offering and Dedication

We stand for the dedication of the Offering

Called by Christ INTO KINGDOM LIVING, challenged by God INTO GODLY GIVING, moved by the Spirit INTO DEEDS OF FORGIVING, we pray the blessing of the gifts we bring. BLESS THEM AND US AS WE SERVE YOU, THROUGH JESUS THE KING, AMEN. Notices Hymn: Hanover probably William Croft (1678-1727)

1. The kingdom of God is justice and joy; for Jesus restores what sin would destroy. God’s power and glory in Jesus we know; and here and hereafter the kingdom shall grow. 2. The kingdom of God is mercy and grace; the captives are freed, and all people find place, the outcast is welcomed, God’s banquet to share; and hope is awakened in place of despair.

3. The kingdom of God is challenge and choice: believe the good news, repent and rejoice! His love for his people, brought Christ to his cross: our crisis of judgment for gain or for loss. 4. God’s kingdom is come, the gift and the goal; in Jesus begun, in heaven made whole. The heirs of the kingdom shall answer his call; and all things cry “Glory!” to God all in all. Bryn Austin Rees (1911-1983)

Benediction and Sung Amen Postlude: Postlude No. 4 Caleb Simper (1856-1942)

Tea and coffee are served in the church after the service

Music printed in this order of service is covered under a music copyright licence agreement: LicenSing #604802

NOTICES This Week: 24 November – 30 November 2019 Sunday 10.00am Morning Worship 4.00pm Knox Film Group – see below Wednesday 10.00am Bible Study Next Week: 1 December – 7 December 2019 Sunday 10.00am Morning Worship Wednesday 10.00am Bible Study

SUE SPIEGEL QUILTING SALE – Sunday 24th November. As she did last year Sue will have a range of her quilting goods for sale. All proceeds to go to Knox. KNOX FILM GROUP – The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir. Sunday 24th November 4pm in the Lounge. A LIEDERTAFEL CHRISTMAS – Sunday 1 December 2.15pm at St Andrew’s College Chapel, Normans Road. CHRISTCHURCH HARP ORCHESTRA – Harps, Celtic Fiddles and Café Operana play Celtic and Classical Music. Wednesday 4 December 7pm, Hohepa Hall, 23 Barrington Street. Adults $15, Family $25, Unwaged and Students $10. Cash only. Proceeds to Canterbury Charity Hospital. CAROLS AT RICCARTON BUSH – 6.30pm Sunday 8 December. Hosted by Riccarton – Spreydon Anglican Parish. Music, Addington Brass. Come and join us.

Knox church values the support of all who are involved in our community’s life. Knox Church is a charity. All charitable donations are

eligible for a tax rebate of 33%. Bank account 03 1705 0029641 00. Put your name in the reference field and email your contact details to the office or

donations secretary. For further information or options contact: office@knoxchurch.co.nz Ph. 3792456 or Janet Wilson, Donations

Secretary janmwil507@gmail.com Ph. 338 7203.

PILLARS - 6 Banana boxes and 6 bags of goodies were delivered to PILLARS this week. A great effort . Thank you all very much .

The Bible reading for next week will be:

• Matthew 24: 36-44

Knox Directory

28 Bealey Ave, Christchurch 8013 Secretary: Jane Ellis, ph. (03) 379 2456,

office@knoxchurch.co.nz Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am-noon

Visit our website www.knoxchurch.co.nz

website

Minister: Rev. Dr Matthew Jack minister@knoxchurch.co.nz

for emergencies, (03) 3570 111

Church Council Clerk: Janet Wilson, ph. (03) 338 7203

Director of Music: Daniel Cooper, organist@knoxchurch.co.nz

Pastoral Assistant: Jan Harland ph. 0273560215

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